Morocco’s sustainable development model hailed in Geneva as a benchmark for Africa

The Moroccan model of sustainable and inclusive development was hailed in Geneva as a benchmark for Africa during a side event held Wednesday on the margins of the 60th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC).

Particular emphasis was placed on the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) and the New Development Model for the Southern Provinces, which were presented as sources of inspiration for Africa at the meeting, organized under the theme “Towards sustainable human development in Africa: social inclusion, reducing inequalities, and strengthening local dynamics.”

Speaking at the event, Gajmoula Boussif, president of the Sahara Observatory for Economic and Social Development (OSDES), underlined that Morocco’s approach offers a tangible example of success in tackling social inequalities and consolidating territorial justice.

Since its launch in 2005, the INDH has supported thousands of projects aimed at vulnerable populations, particularly women, through empowerment initiatives and microcredit mechanisms, she recalled.

The New Development Model for the Southern Provinces, backed by a strategic investment exceeding 8 billion dollars, has transformed Laâyoune and Dakhla into major economic hubs with strong ties to the African continent, Boussif observed. These projects, she noted, embody the Kingdom’s clear vision: “equitable development, rooted in local territories, bringing stability and prosperity, and promoting South-South cooperation”.

In the same spirit, experts and representatives of civil society as well as African and international institutions described the Moroccan model as a “pioneering project” and a “successful showcase” for Africa, centered on the human dimension, social inclusion, and sustainability.

Other speakers, including academic Nadah Alqalam and Charlotte Bama, representative of the Eliza Relief Foundation, stressed the importance of robust national policies grounded in fundamental rights, commending the coherence and continuity of Morocco’s strategic choices.

The event, organized by the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union (ECOSOCC) in partnership with Maat for Peace, CIDH Africa, OSDES, and the Major Group of NGOs, also highlighted the continent’s structural challenges, such as poverty, weak governance, infrastructure deficits, and unequal access to health and education. Furthermore, Morocco was unanimously recognized as a driving force for African development, offering concrete solutions that can be replicated across the region.

Moderated by Moulay Lahsen Naji, Executive Director of CIDH Africa, the side event concluded with recommendations addressed to the African Union and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. These called for strengthening human rights protection institutions, enhancing governance and transparency, expanding access to basic services, empowering women and youth, and ensuring the equitable and sustainable management of natural resources.

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